Lossiemouth rower aims for Rio gold

LOSSIEMOUTH’S Olympic medallist Heather Stanning is aiming to make history in Brazil this summer.

The former Gordonstoun head girl and team partner Helen Glover became the first British female rowers to win gold when they triumphed at London 2012.

And there is another opportunity for the duo to write their names into the record books when they head to the Rio games in August.

"It would be a massive thing to go and defend our title, it’s not something that any British women’s crew has had to do at an Olympics before," said Heather. "It’s new territory and we’re looking forward to it.

"For me and Helen, after the two years we’ve just had, we just want to make sure that we get this season absolutely right."

Stanning and Glover go into their second Olympic year on the back of an outstanding run of success, winning all of their races in 2015.

Their victories at the World and European Championships, as well as those in the World Cup circuit in Varese and Italy, led to the pair being named as female crew of the year by FISA, world rowing’s governing body.

Coach Robin Williams was shortlisted for BBC Wales’ coach of the year award, and Heather admitted it was nice for their efforts to be rewarded.

"Getting the FISA award was a massive thing as it’s recognition not just from our friends, family and supporters but it’s from the sport," she said.

"It gives us the confidence that people in rowing actually think we’re alright.

"It’s great that Robin is getting recognition as well. OK, me and Helen are the athletes on the water, but actually Robin does an awful lot behind the scenes for us, and without him we would not be the crew we are.

"We need to shout about him a bit more. He is a fantastic coach and a great asset to our crew."

Heather, Helen and their colleagues in the GB Rowing Team are currently putting in the hard miles on the water and in the gym as they prepare for one of the biggest seasons of their careers.

The Rio regatta runs on the spectacular Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas from August 6-13.